RURBANIVE launches an Open Call for projects that create synergies between rural and urban areas, offering up to €100,000 per project and a total budget of €600,000. This initiative supports the development of solutions that can improve the local economy, mobility, biodiversity, and community engagement in rural areas, enhancing their connection with cities.
Who Can Apply?
The call is open to local and regional authorities in rural areas, as well as other entities from these regions that can collaborate in consortia of 2-4 partners, including:
- Municipalities and local councils in rural areas
- Local Action Groups (LAGs)
- Local and regional development associations
- Cooperatives and NGOs
- Chambers of commerce and other local support organizations
- SMEs and technology providers offering innovative solutions for rural areas
To apply, each consortium must include at least one technology and service provider and at least one end-user (e.g., a rural municipality collaborating with a company specialized in smart solutions).
What Types of Projects Are Eligible?
Projects must contribute to enhancing the connection between rural and urban areas, facilitating access to services, resources, and modern technologies. RURBANIVE is looking for proposals in the following areas:
- Improving logistics and shortening value chains – Solutions for promoting and efficiently distributing local products.
- Ecosystem and biodiversity restoration – Initiatives for protecting and revitalizing the natural environment.
- Regional circular bioeconomy development – Strategies for leveraging local resources and creating sustainable production chains.
- User engagement, community empowerment, and territorial awareness – Projects that support active participation of rural communities in local development.
- Access to and promotion of culture, landscape, and heritage – Initiatives that highlight traditions, local tourism, and cultural heritage.
- Enhanced mobility – Innovative solutions for accessibility and transportation between rural and urban areas.
Funding and Participation Conditions
- Total budget: €600,000
- Funding per project: Up to €100,000
- Budget per partner: Between €20,000 and €60,000
- Funding rate: 100% (no co-financing required)
Project Implementation Phases
Selected projects will have a duration of 12 months, divided into three phases:
Phase 1 – Design (4 months: September 2025 – December 2025)
- Deliverable: Activity plan
Phase 2 – Development (5 months: January 2026 – May 2026)
- Deliverable: Demonstration of the implemented solution
Phase 3 – Validation (3 months: June 2026 – August 2026)
- Deliverable: Report on the project’s impact on the community and market
Why Apply?
For rural local authorities, this funding represents a real opportunity to bring innovation and sustainable development to their communities. By participating, they can:
- Access funding of up to €100,000 to develop concrete solutions
- Receive technical support and consultancy throughout the implementation period
- Collaborate with partners specialized in modern technologies
- Improve the quality of life in rural communities through tailored solutions
- Strengthen connections between rural and urban areas, facilitating access to essential services
This opportunity supports the balanced and sustainable development of rural areas, with a focus on innovative technologies and long-term partnerships.
CitiCluster assists local and central public organizations in establishing public-private partnerships, provides consultancy for identifying non-reimbursable funding sources, and supports the development of applications and solutions in the smart city domain. For more details or assistance in the application process, we invite you to contact us.
